An air quality advisory for the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including the Tri-Cities, is continuing this week and another has been added.
The first advisory, issued late last week, is for ground-level ozone. On Monday, the regional district expanded the advisory to include fine particulate matter, which is airborne solid or liquid droplets small enough to penetrate indoors.
That’s on top of the noticeable haze in the region, noted Metro Vancouver in its advisory. The warnings are a result of smoke from wildfires burning in Eurasia and Alaska as well as the bog fire in Richmond.
Although morning air quality health indexes at monitoring stations in Coquitlam and Port Moody were at level three, which is considered low, higher concentrations in the afternoon have been reaching six on a scale of 10 in many areas, including the Tri-Cities, said Metro Vancouver spokesperson Sarah Lusk in an email to The Tri-City News.
The regional district advises avoiding strenuous activities during mid-afternoon to early evening. That’s when ozone levels are highest. Exposure is particularly concerning for infants, elderly and those with medical conditions such as lung or heart disease and asthma.
Anyone experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing should follow the advice of a healthcare provider.
“As we are in the summer season with warm temperatures, it is also important to stay cool and hydrated. Indoor spaces with air conditioning may offer relief from both heat and air pollution,” said the advisory, which is expected to continue to be in effect until there is a change in the current weather.
Lusk said the biggest impact is being seen mainly in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and eastern parts of Surrey. Despite the Tri-Cities being better off, Metro is still advising residents to reduce the risk by staying cool and watch out for any symptoms.
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